Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Elena Lacková (22 March 1921 – 1 January 2003) was a Slovak Romani writer and playwright, author of literature for Roma children and youth. He was also teacher, and survivor of the Holocaust.
Life and Career
She was born on 22 March 1921, in the Veľký Šariš in what is now Slovakia.
Lacková was a teacher and writer before the outbreak of World War II. In 1942, she was deported to Auschwitz, where she spent two years as a prisoner. She survived the Holocaust and returned to Slovakia after the war.
Lacková’s experiences during the war influenced much of her writing, which often dealt with themes of persecution and survival. Her best-known work is the novel “Zahradník s rozumom” (The Gardener with Reason), which was published in 1962 and has been translated into several languages.
In addition to her literary work, Lacková was also an advocate for the rights of women and children. She was a founding member of the Union of Anti-Fascist Women and served as the editor of the women’s magazine “Slovenské ženy” (Slovak Women).
Lacková was honored with numerous awards during her lifetime, including the Order of Ľudovít Štúr, one of the highest awards given by the Slovak government. She passed away on 1 January 2003, in Košice, Slovakia. Lacková’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Slovak writers and artists, and her work is considered an important contribution to Slovak literature and culture. Her experiences as a Holocaust survivor also serve as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, understanding, and respect for human rights.
Award and Legacy
Elena Lacková’s legacy as a writer, educator, and advocate for human rights is widely recognized and celebrated in Slovakia and beyond. She received following awards:
- Czech Radio Award (1989)
- Prix Bohemia Award (1989)
- Order of Ľudovít Štúr, 3rd Class, awarded by President Rudolf Schuster (2001)
- Chatam Sofer Memorial Medal (2001)
Lacková’s advocacy for women’s rights and her work as an educator continue to inspire generations of young women in Slovakia and serve as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and access to education. Her experiences as a Holocaust survivor also serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of intolerance and discrimination.
On 22 March 2021, Google celebrated Elena Lacková’s 100th birthday with a doodle.